What Do Lions Symbolize on Tarot Cards?

Lions are found on these Tarot cards:

Scroll down to see each card

Lions are a repeating Tarot symbol found on six individual cards on the well-known Rider-Waite deck of Tarot cards.

The exact same symbols don't necesariliy appear in all, non-Rider Waite decks, but many newer Tarot decks often use variations of the same, generally accepted Tarot symbology.

Here's What a lion symbolizes in Tarot

Lions in general symbolize strength and courage, however the depiction of lions in the Tarot isn't always the same, and their symbolic meaning depends on the exact card where each lion makes an apearance.

In addition to being the primary theme of the Major Arcana Strength Tarot card, lions are a recurring symbol on several other cards across the Tarot deck.

For example: The image of a lion with wings is a special case in Rider-Waite Tarot imagery, and symbolizes St. Mark.

Here Are the 6 Tarot Cards in Which Lions Are Found

The Two of Cups

NOTE: The winged lion which crests the Two of Cups card is a classic motif from antiquity which symbolizes the evangelist, Mark. St. Mark is seen as a model of strength and determination. However, this lion's head sits atop a caduceus, representing the Greek Hermes, or the Roman Mercury. This interesting combination may also symbolize the ideas of messages and communication.

The Queen of Wands

NOTE: The pair of lions which decorate the throne of the Queen of Wands are a classic heraldry symbol suggesting royalty and hereditary power.

The King of Wands

NOTE: The lions shown on the resolute throne of the King of Wands are somewhat less formal than the pair of lions on the Queen of Wands' throne. These lions share the throne with salamanders, which represent fire. The symbology here points to a right to rule — which is not so much based on nobility as it is based on skill, intelligence and power.

Strength

The Wheel of Fortune

The World

NOTE: The lion in the corner of the Wheel of Fortune card is 1 part of a 4-part tetramorph which symbolizes St. Mark — who is seen as a paragon of strength and determination. This lion may also represent the zodiac sign, Leo.

Have you ever experienced iFate's award-winning, free Tarot readings?
Click here to try over 20 different, online Tarot spreads now.